Soccer is kickstarting joy for kids living in this refugee camp

Za'atari, located 8 miles south of the Syrian border in Jordan is the largest camp for refugees fleeing the country's civil war. In 2017, retired soccer pro Mehdi Ballouchy traveled to the camp on a mission. He brought 20 suitcases of cleats, balls, and jerseys to start a soccer club for Za'atari's youth. The organization Kickstart Joy has offered a space for kids to "empty their sorrows" and find a new focus. Filmmaker Austin Meyer shares the stories of two players, Ali and Laila, who have called Za'atari home for more than five years and now find an outlet through the sport.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.

Soccer is kickstarting joy for kids living in this refugee camp

Za'atari, located 8 miles south of the Syrian border in Jordan is the largest camp for refugees fleeing the country's civil war. In 2017, retired soccer pro Mehdi Ballouchy traveled to the camp on a mission. He brought 20 suitcases of cleats, balls, and jerseys to start a soccer club for Za'atari's youth. The organization Kickstart Joy has offered a space for kids to "empty their sorrows" and find a new focus. Filmmaker Austin Meyer shares the stories of two players, Ali and Laila, who have called Za'atari home for more than five years and now find an outlet through the sport.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.